Newton Commons Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Newton Commons Dam, located in Wake County, North Carolina, serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction along Lead Mine Creek-Tr.


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Summary

This private-owned earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 10.5 feet and a structural height of 15.5 feet, with a total length of 200 feet. The dam has a maximum storage capacity of 8.6 acre-feet and a normal storage of 3 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 0.75 acres.

Despite its importance in mitigating flood risks, Newton Commons Dam carries a high hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in January 1996, and it has not been updated since. The dam lacks an emergency action plan and does not meet established guidelines for emergency preparedness.

With its vital role in flood risk management and its current state of high hazard potential, Newton Commons Dam warrants increased attention and investment in inspection and maintenance to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this critical infrastructure in Raleigh. Water resource and climate enthusiasts should keep a close eye on developments related to this dam to support efforts to safeguard communities from potential flooding risks.

Dam Length

200

River Or Stream

Lead Mine Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.75

Hydraulic Height

10.5

Nid Storage

8.6

Structural Height

15.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.